Input 2008 video clips on You Tube

‘Within the next week we will provide video clips of programmes selected for Input 2008 via the Youtube platform. This will give delegates instant access to the incredible range of programmes selected for this year’s event. You will be able to view 3 minutes of selected programmes instantaneously on the Input Youtube channel – wherever you are in the world.’

This recent mail shot has sparked heated debate among Input stakeholders. The contention seemed to be that of copyright protection for filmmakers and their products with certain role players arguing that none of the programmers with submitted and selected programmes had been informed of such use and none had given the permission to use programmes or excerpts in this way. What guarantee was given thatthe 3 minute clips won’t be copied and used?

On the Input entry forms submitted by programme submitters, states:

‘ 7) Agreements:

The INPUT International Board, through its designated representatives;

1. Shall have the right to release excerpts free of charge of up to three minutes from any programme selected. The excerpts will be broadcast at the INPUT 2008 conference and/or published via the internet on the official INPUT 2008 website. …

This does not include the use of services of third parties and does not allow passing on these agreed rights to third parties.’

The response of the Input board on the matter was that although it was very good marketing idea the Input 2008 team was suggesting, the phrasing on entry forms was ‘limiting and clear’ and that with the entry form stated as it is, uploading of excerpts without clearance could not be allowed. It would therefore be imperative that only those clips where communication with the filmmakers/producers had given a clear go ahead may be uploaded.

Input 2008 IT Consultant explains the functionality and use of You Tube:

2. You Tube protects the videos. They are only viewable, people cannot download them and alter them or use the footage… they can only view them online and share them by sending the links or embedding them. There will always be one single copy of the video, controlled by Input. It can be deleted centrally at any stage, if this is the wish. The idea behind using You Tube was to use its sophisticated online video showing and sharing functionality.

3. The reason we chose You Tube is that it is internationally reputable… even the BBC have a You Tube channel to which they upload their video content too: http://www.youtube.com/BBC

4. The other alternative is to build our own video display mechanism on the site and recreate the videos in flash, but this will take time and will come at additional expense (there is no cost for the you tube option). We cannot just offer a simple download on the website otherwise paradoxically, users will be able to download the videos to their PCs and keep the files and alter them…’

If your programme was selected for Input 2008 and you would like a 3 minute clip of your programme uploaded on the Input website via the You Tube platform please email confirmation to do so to:joanl@input2008.org.za